Microbrewery, shops will add to Winter Garden's 'renaissance'

Winter Garden is backing a developer's plan to demolish a deteriorating apartment complex near City Hall to build a microbrewery and artisan market.

The $2 million project appealed to city leaders because it extends the footprint of Winter Garden's thriving downtown beyond City Hall and promises to create new commercial areas where the city needs them most, said Tanja Gerhartz, the city's economic-development director.

The city has no vacancies on West Plant Street and has been forced to turn away prospective entrepreneurs from the brick streets of downtown.

"It's a good problem to have, but it's still a problem when you have people who want to be part of your business community and you have no available space. This will help," Gerhartz said. "It's the beginning of the next phase of our renaissance."

The developer, identified in city documents as Plant Street Market LLC, does not yet own the property at 426 W. Plant St., though it has a contract with McAnnuff Investments, which acquired the complex in January 2013 for $805,000. The property had operated since 2002 as Shady Hill Garden Apartments.

The 20-unit complex had frustrated redevelopment efforts along West Plant Street because of the perception of crime around it.

"It was a nuisance for us," said Bill Sullivan, Winter Garden deputy police chief. "No major crimes, just a lot of disturbances there."

Winter Garden officials compared the proposed project to the successful East End Market in the Audubon Park neighborhood of Orlando, where culinary artists and chefs showcase their work in a food hall created from the former Living Faith Christian Church. East End is home to a dozen merchants and Txokos restaurant.

"We believe this will be the anchor for Winter Garden's growing food hub," Gerhartz said.

The exact mix of tenants has not been determined yet, but city officials can point to the success of the weekly Winter Garden Farmers Market, voted America's best, while betting on a project that could become a destination for consumers who want artisan cheeses, fresh breads and other local products.

City documents show the developer plans to create a microbrewery that will employ 20 people; a taproom; and 5,500 square feet of commercial space for lease.

The city has agreed to waive impact and permitting fees, a savings of more than $100,000 to the developer, and help the owner market the property and identify tenants. The city also will make parking available on adjacent city-owned property.

The building design will need approval from Winter Garden's Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board because it will be situated near the Garden Theatre and in the city's historic district.

The former citrus town, hit hard by the grove-killing freezes in the 1980s, has enjoyed a rebirth partly attributed to the construction of state roads 429 and 408 and the West Orange Trail, which brings thousands of bikers, hikers, joggers and other outdoor lovers through town every year.